details, details, details

Every time us girls get together I realize that there is so much we still need to figure out. Little details. Maybe I am way over-analyzing this running thing, but I want to be prepared. At least, as prepared as I can be.

One of our more recent discussions was on the race itself and what we plan on actually doing while we run. I mean, besides running.

Kim informed us that she would be listening to her ipod. She would not be talking. No way, no how.

I, Candace, completely agreed with her. To talk while one runs is begging for a side ache. Besides the fact that I would be sharing what limited oxygen I will be gulping down with my vital organs. No thank you. My lips will be sealed tight- with maybe a periodic grunt here and there. I love to encourage others so this might be difficult; especially in a race setting where we will need all the cheering on we can get. I will have to try the mental form.

The night we discussed this, I didn't remember Teri or Kristin verbalizing their plans. However, I do remember Teri once telling me that when she runs at the gym (daily at 5 am!) she doesn't listen to music. She uses that time to pray. I was so amazed and awestruck. The only time I ever pray while I am running is to beg God to miraculously let me be at my mileage goal. And sadly, I am a pastor's wife.

I asked Teri last night what her plan was and she too is doing the ipod thing during the race.

Darn it. I was hoping she would keep praying. I had some requests. For the race.

five weeks left

Today I panicked.

This last week was so busy with working, out of town guests and birthday parties that I made it to the gym, I am embarrassed to say, only twice. I ran pretty hard the measly two times I went, but will have to make up a bit of running this week to get back into routine. Not looking forward to having to convince my body that this is really lots of fun.

About the panicking. I could not remember the date we were to start our "official" training schedule and was afraid it was this week. My brain has dementia sometimes. After finding the schedule, I was able to breathe a moment as I realized that I still have a whopping 5 more weeks of pacing myself with speedwork and easy runs.

September 30th begins the high level of accountability and progressively longer runs. Can't wait!

lululemon

Found another cute, organic athletic wear company. Its called lululemon athletica. The closest actual store to us would probably be in San Diego, but you can order via internet. Their line is geared towards dance, yoga, running and everything in between.

Mental Toughness

Today I ran 3 miles for the first time in at least a month and it was kinda hard! I finished the run, but not even half way through my mind starting thinking about quitting. I'm hearing it say, "well, you haven't run 3 miles in a little while, so just stop at 2.5 and then tomorrow you can do 3." That is so pathetic! Why is laziness built into the human race? So, to combat this I tell myself, "If you can't make it 3 miles today, how are you going to get to 13.1?" I resolve to push myself; which is why I am doing this in the first place. I'm usually pretty good at pushing myself, but also afraid of failure which in the past has stopped me from going outside of my comfort zone. I've been committed to running, but not completely and totally committed - I can always stop when the going gets tough. Not anymore, sister - it's time to keep on pushin'....
Oh and by the way, I felt great once the run was over and glad that I didn't quit. :)

funny little thing

I begin to announce that I am running in a half-marathon.

I begin to get multiple running partner offers. I am not kidding.

People that have run them before and people that haven't.

Family and friends.

Just kind of funny.

The Look

Preparing for a race involves many aspects: the race, the pace, the shoes, the look, etc. As far as the look goes, I have found this great clothing line called Athleta that I love. They have super cute and functional pieces perfect for active women who want some style as they sweat!

One thing I am definitely purchasing is their sport tee that "proclaims your sport of choice before you ever open your mouth." I am obviously going for the running graphic. Its only $39 and I was thinking that if anyone else got one we could be twins, triplets, or quadruplets! What do you think??

By the way, my favorite female active wear store is Lucy. And not just because it is based out of Portland, OR- where I hail from! Their stuff has the best fit and the softest fabrics while looking ultra hip. Love it.

Ooops!

Ok, it's evident that I'm a first-timer now, you have no idea who posted that! That was me, Kim.

I'm a "blogger" now?

First time blogger and first time half-marathoner. (Who came up with the term "blog" anyway? It's one of those words that I just don't like - it's like fingers on a chalkboard to me, but I am willing to put that aside to participate and hopefully the word won't annoy me eventually). That aside, I'm training and going to run this half-marathon because I want to push myself. I don't think my reasons are any different than most people who run, so I won't elaborate and bore you.

I started running in 2000 when my husband was deployed on a ship (he was a pilot in the Marine Corps at the time) and I was working full-time, no kids, and had a lot of time on my hands living alone (boring nights and weekends). I got up to a comfortable 10 min. mile pace and could run 5 miles. Then I started to push myself and got to about a 9.5 min. mile pace. I was thrilled with that because I never thought I could be a runner due to short legs and a pear shaped body. I started doing 5-k races and loved the atmosphere of race day. My husband returned and we started running together and loved it. Then I found out I was pregnant and needless to say that put my running aspirations on hold. I have since had my second child and running has been a steadfast friend helping to take the weight off after pregnancy and now that I have a little more time, I am at a place where I can get a little more serious and see what this pear shaped body can do!

I'll keep you posted on the training from here on out. This week, just a 2 mile easy run, as I have had a cold/bad sore throat which was lovingly passed from my adorable son, JW. Also, first week of school (Kindergarten mind you) for my sweet daughter, Maggie! Next week promises to be a better training week with more miles for sure!

training thus far

This will be short and sweet.

My workouts were good this week. A few days of treadmill runs at 3 mile distances with one up to 3 1/2. And my favorite workout up at Pinnacle Peak doing a 3 1/2 mile hike with some trail running included. The latter was by far the most challenging and strenuous. Plus the added heat and humidity, even at 6 am. Yuck.

Here is a pic from the hike. A mentor/friend of mine joined me in the early morning fun.

Baby Steps

I have been thinking that it might be important to summarize what brought me to the point of actually thinking I could run 13.1 miles. Or even why I would want to. Especially since I was one of those girls back in high school that would only be involved in sports or activities that involved anything BUT running long distances. I stuck with performing in plays, dancing on dance team and sprinting in track. I tried the 400 once- did great the first 200 meters and practically crawled the last 200 (which happened to be right in front of the bleachers! Lovely.) .

Don't get me wrong, I have always admired those who could run. Primarily because it was something that I felt was far from my capability.

Fast forward 10-plus years, marriage, 2 children and a nursing career.

It started last fall after reading an amazing article from a female AZ journalist named Megan Finnerty. It chronicled her journey from party girl to triathlete (the title of her article, Club Pretty was the inspiration for our blog's title!). For some reason I felt that if she could do it, then so could I! She gave great tips that made it seem feasible, fun, and accessible to novices. I decided to follow her plan of attack and soon after joined a gym. My motivation was to lose all that left over baby weight, get healthy for my family, and hopefully do a mini-triathlon.

Baby steps. My motto.

I started with one mile at a very very very slow jog on the treadmill and occasionally around my neighborhood. I found some girlfriends who just happened to be in the same stage of life that I am in and who were runners. Thankfully, not too fast of runners either. We started talking about training to run a marathon together at the end of the year once the weather cools down. The well-publicized and inspiring PF Chang's occurred right around that time and was the catalyst for me. I wanted to be able to do that. By then, I was jogging about 2-3 miles comfortably.

For the past 9 months I have continued jogging- increasing my speed and distance. I also began hiking about 3 times a week. Something I really enjoyed and included some trail running which was invigorating. Those 2 activities began to strengthen my body in a way I feel has never before happened. Plus, I continually push past the pain which strengthens me mentally as well.

In 4 months I will run a half-marathon.

in the begining....

Tonight we met at a local tapas-wine bar for our first official kick off dinner. We had some things to nail down and we needed to get organized. Choose a marathon, pick a training program, schedule some long runs, nutrition plans, etc.

We chose to do the tucson marathon over the pf chang's for a number of reasons. The primary one being the word "downhill." Except for Kristen, we are all new to the marathon (or half-marathon in our case) scene and this particular marathon is described as "fun, scenic and downhill." Unanimous.

More to come on our training schedule, nutrition and the joys of being 30-something year old Mommy's training for a 13.1 mile run.